Designers often assume that older users will encounter difficulties when interacting with digital technologies. Strictly following older adult design guidelines will not guarantee that older users will find digital technologies easy to use and enjoyable. Given the enormous heterogeneity within the older adult population, designers and researchers should also consider other factors related to the needs, attitudes, and experiences of older users.

A persona is a representative character profile that creates a story/visualization about a realistic user or user group. Best used early in the design cycle, personas guide the discovery of who the users are, what needs and expectations they have, and how the new product or service will benefit them.